2014 saw Investec launch the Chase to the Investec Cup, which was inclusive of the 100,000 rand bonus prize for the Investec Order of Merit winner. Several years later, Investec further entrenched their golfing presence by claiming naming rights to the Investec South African Women’s Open, with a prize pool of 200,000 euro.

 

Investec’s Head of Sponsorship, Peta Dixon says that Investec is committed to its values of equality, inclusion and diversity and is focused on enabling more women to thrive.

 

“With this in mind, we’ve added an additional prize incentive of 100,000 rand. Simply put: If a South African professional wins the Investec South African Women’s Open, she will win the 100,000 rand Investec Homegrown Award as well as her portion of the Investec South African Women’s Open prize pool. She can of course potentially take the Investec Order of Merit too. Investec looks to continue promoting and backing local South African talent which is in line with our recently launched campaign of ‘Women on the rise,’ focusing on the strength of female athletes and gender equality. While there’s still a long way to go before gender pay parity in golf is a reality, we are proud of the contribution that we’re making to that cause.” 

 

Investec sponsored golfers Stacy Bregman, Nicole Garcia and Lejan Lewthwaite will all be competing on the 6-tournament tour, with their eyes on the prize says Bregman:

 

“It’s another wonderful incentive by Investec and I speak on behalf of all the pro’s when I say that we’re extremely grateful. Personally, I’ve worked hard throughout the off-season and lockdown because there is a lot of money at stake when factoring in the Investec Order of Merit, tournament wins and now the Investec Homegrown Award on offer at the final tournament. All these contribute towards a hugely competitive circuit: growing our game and golfers; and we just cannot wait to tee-off.”

 

The eighth season of the local women’s professional circuit launches with the Cape Town Ladies Open at Royal Cape Golf Club from 7-9 April; and concludes with the ISAWO at Westlake Golf Club from 13 – 16 May 2021.

 

Sunshine Ladies Tour General Manager Pauli van Meersbergen: 

 

“As a partner and sponsor, Investec has made an immeasurable contribution to the Sunshine Ladies Tour since the circuit launched in 2014 and has consistently upped the ante with additional incentives to promote the development of women’s professional golf in our country.

 

“They have done it again with this wonderful Investec Homegrown Award. Winning the Investec South African Women’s Open comes with a two-year exemption on the Ladies European Tour, where the 100,000 rand cash injection will go a long way in covering costs for the champion. We applaud Investec for their innovation and dedication to growing women’s golf and for always finding ways to give our South African golfers an opportunity to take the next step and level up.”

2021 Sunshine Ladies Tour Revised Schedule

APRIL

7-9      Cape Town Ladies Open

            R200 000

            Royal Cape Golf Club

 

14-16   Jabra Ladies Classic

            R600 000

            Glendower Golf Club

 

21-23   SuperSport Ladies Challenge presented by Sun International

            R400 000

            Gary Player Country Club

 

28-30  Joburg Ladies Open

            R500 000

            Soweto Country Club

MAY

7-9      Dimension Data Ladies Pro-Am

            R600 000

            R100 000 Better Ball Pro-Am

 

13-16    Investec South African Women’s Open*

            €200 000

            Westlake Golf Club

            * Ladies European Tour co-sanctioned

            **2021 U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier